Putting Up Your Christmas Decorations Early Makes You Happier
Spread holiday cheer and good vibes
We all know that the start of the ‘-ber’ months kicks off the holiday season in the Philippines. We begin counting down the days ‘til Christmas and establishments start blasting holiday tunes ("Christmas in Our Hearts," anyone?). For families, it’s also the time when you start bringing out the Christmas décor— putting up wreaths, trees, and lights!
If you’re one of those people who love turning their house into a red and green wonderland NOW (or right after Halloween) before December, then this piece of good news will brighten up your day: putting up your Christmas decorations up early can make you happier.
“In a world full of stress and anxiety people like to associate to things that make them happy and Christmas decorations evoke those strong feelings of childhood,” Steve McKeown, a psychoanalyst, told Unilad.
“Decorations are simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement. So, putting up those Christmas decorations early extend the excitement!”
The holidays never fail to bring out child-like wonder, no matter how old you are. “The holiday season stirs up a sense of nostalgia. Nostalgia helps link people to their personal past and it helps people understand their identity. For many, putting up Christmas decorations early is a way for them to reconnect with their childhood,” Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, told Unilad.
It also serves as an anchor for good memories. “For people who have lost a loved one, the holidays may serve as a reminder of happy times they had with that person in the past. Decorating early may help them feel more connected with that individual,” Morin added.
It’s not just your emotions that get a boost—your relationship with other people might also improve, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. Researchers found that putting up décor shows neighbors you’re approachable and Christmas ornaments, in particular, make you seem “friendly and cohesive.”
That actually makes sense. In the Philippines, a lot of homes have become mini-attractions thanks to their over-the-top displays and lights. Remember Pasko Pasko Sa Policarpio in Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong City? Their festive display has been ongoing for more than 20 years! There’s also the Christmas House in Cainta, Rizal, which gets up to a thousand visitors per day during the season.
Want to have a headstart on those Christmas decorations? Click here for trinkets you can DIY with your kids. Yes, let them join in on the fun so everyone can be happier! Or, if you want to put a new spin on your ornaments, click here for unique themes and ideas.
Happy holidays!
This story originally appeared on Smartparenting.com.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.
